How Deep Are Your Convictions?

How deep are our convictions? Paul talks about the suffering the church of Thessalonica had to endure (I Thessalonians 1:4-10). In fact, he called it "severe suffering". We suffer in all kinds of ways - depression, anger, fear, people criticizing our Christianity, us criticizing our own Christianity...The object is not that we suffer but how we deal with suffering.

The Thessalonian church relied on welcoming the message of the Gospel and experiencing the Gospel beyond the words. They also imitated Paul's lifestyle. I used to imitate "Pentecostal" preachers when I preached. I also used to lose my voice every week (which Shannon nicknamed my Larry Munson voice). I still struggle to find me when I preach but it's a growth process. Imitation is more than a form of flattery. It is an expression of sincere conviction. It means I chase after God and learn to recognize God within me. Imitation also shows that I need to be around those worth imitating. That's the trick. Who do we surround ourselves with? Perfect people or imperfect people seeking God?

Being in a Pentecostal church we experience a lot of spiritual behavior - some genuine and some emotional and a few for show. Experiences of such magnitude can be intimidating even to me. But notice as you read these verses that with the message of hope, which is evidenced in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction, came a joy from the Holy Spirit. The joy was so great for the church of Thessalonica that it affected the lives of other struggling churches.

Some of the greatest moves of the Spirit come in many forms but what should be left is joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is our choice. We either welcome it or we push it aside. We either allow it to motivate us or we let others steal it away from us. Regardless of the circumstances we have a choice to rejoice. Happiness comes and goes, but joy is constant and steady. So how deep are your convictions? Enough to sustain your joy? Enough to want it to build up others who may be struggling? My prayers are with each of you.

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